The decision of the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM to reintroduce its bike patrol in the greater Philipsburg area is likely to be applauded by most residents and business owners alike. It will surely enhance the visibility of law enforcement in the country’s capital and thus promote a welcome sense of safety among both visitors and locals.
As stated, the timing allows this to be part of preparations for the upcoming high season when thousands of people including tourists frequent the downtown shopping area on a daily basis. Recent experience leaves little doubt that improving security remains a priority.
Speaking of which, indications are that the much-talked about seaside walkway from the cruise terminal to Boardwalk Boulevard at Great Bay may finally become reality before too long. As mentioned on earlier occasions in this column, the current situation with hundreds of passengers walking up and down the road to Point Blanche while huge container trailer trucks drive back and forth to the cargo port is a terrible accident waiting to happen, especially when it rains and sections of the footpath get flooded.
Apart from the personal tragedy, one can only imagine the media backlash if guests were to get run over and killed that way. The sooner this changes, the better.
Concerning the bike unit, good coordination with patrols in motor vehicles for backup is obviously crucial in case of serious crimes. The shooting death of officer Benjamin during a jewellery robbery on Front Street is still fresh in the memory of many, but he would undoubtedly be proud to see his colleagues back in the bicycle saddle.
